Talking Sports And Fitness With Zeke

Exeter athletic director Tom Legath shares with Zeke the story of how the school district has made a significant investment in the safety of its football players grades 7 through 12. Concerned about the increasing awareness of concussions and brain injuries, the Exeter School Board approved the purchase of 145 Riddell SpeedFlex helmets with InSite Impact Response System at a cost of $55,825. "This speaks volumes about our school district and our school board and what we are and what we want for the safety of our kids," Legath says. "The movie 'Concussion' led to the decision to make this purchase." Legath tells Zeke that next season every Eagles football player -- from varsity to junior high -- will wear the state-of-the-art SpeedFlex helmets, designed to disperse energy and reduce the risk of head trauma. "The technology of the new helmets is designed to help disperse the blow of a hit," Legath says. Exeter players will be the first in Berks County to wear them. Legath explains that in addition to reducing

Michal Menet, the first Berks County football player ever to be named first-team All-State in Class AAA for three straight years en route to becoming a crown jewel of Penn State's 2016 recruiting class, shares with Zeke his offseason and his expectations this fall playing for the Nittany Lions. Menet, 6-5 and now up to 290 pounds, is a five-star recruit who is rated by some recruiting analysts as the top guard offensive guard in the country and the second-best offensive tackle. Menet was thrown a curve when Penn State offensive line coach Herb Hand, who played a primary role in recruiting Menet to Penn State, resigned to take the same job at Auburn. Four days later Menet received a visit from Penn State head coach James Franklin, new offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead and new offensive line coach Matt Limegrover. "As soon as he (Hand) left, a lot of other coaches started calling me," Menet tells Zeke. "But I never wavered. I was 100 percent Penn State." Menet tells Zeke that he "gave serious thought" to ear

Marshall Kauffman, shares the story of his KING's Gym in Reading which he opened in 1995 to get youngsters off the streets and involved in more positive activities, helping them gain confidence and pride in themselves. KING's is an acronym for Kids In Need of Guidance. Kauffman talks with Zeke about training such world champions from Reading as Steve Little and Kermit Cintron along with his son Travis, a heavyweight contender. Kauffman also explains how his KING's Promotions not only puts on fight cards in Reading and regionally but has blossomed into televised promotions across the country on ESPN, Showtime, Fox Sports 1 and other networks. Kauffman tells Zeke that the inspiration for KING's Gym was finding "a way to get kids off the street in the name of the one King, Jesus Christ. And Reading is a hotbed for boxing with fighters like Travis, Kermit and Steve. Ali was Steve’s inspiration." Kauffman and Zeke also discuss the changing world of boxing and how it has become marginalized by multiple champions a

Marshall Kauffman, boxing trainer, manager and promoter, discusses with Zeke the remarkable career inside and outside the ring of former heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali, who trained at nearby Deer Lake on what became known as Muhammad's Mountain. "I think Muhammad Ali was the greatest boxer of all time, as much for what he did outside the ring as he did inside the ring," Kauffman tells Zeke. "His technique was terrible but his speed made up for it. He was an amazing individual, an amazing athlete … standing up for what he believed in." Kauffman also told Zeke that "as we get older we get slower. But he got smarter. He had tremendous charisma and his will and his ego carried him through."

Champion bodybuilder Maria Ortiz shares with Zeke her take on body image and explains that she is quite comfortable with being muscular even though others may disagree. Maria details for Zeke the specifics of her training program, which begins at 3:20 in the morning so she can get half of her cardio in before going to her full-time job in in quality control at Alcon Manufacturing. She does another hour of cardio, walking and jogging, after work along with an hour of weightlifting -- focusing on one body part per day under the direction of her husband and trainer Banyon. Maria tells Zeke that the hardest hurdle in training is the strict diet, which has her eating five meals a day, mostly protein, and drinking at least two gallons of water. Her daily diet consists of eggs, brown rice, fish, chicken, steak, salmon, broccoli, green beans and spinach. While her body craves sweets and carbs, she resists so her muscles look cut and defined in competition.

Maria Ortiz shares her story with Zeke about how a shy person who loved junk food became a champion bodybuilder with professional aspirations to compete for the Ms. Olympia title. Maria tells Zeke that she used to go the gym but really didn't know what she was doing until she met Banyon Ortiz, a former bodybuilder who would not only change her life but become her husband. As proper training and diet transformed her body, Maria finally heeded suggestions by her husband and others to begin competing. Overcoming her shyness on stage, Maria had a sensational debut in the 2013 Big Cat Classic in in Allentown, with first-place finishes in women's physique masters and in women's physique Class A en route to the overall title. Two years later she made the transition from women's physique competition to bodybuilding competition and in the 2015 NPC Eastern USA Championships in Teaneck, N.J., she placed first in women's bodybuilding open and first place in women's bodybuilding over 35 en route to the overall title.

Marc David, a veteran journalist, author and speaker whose writing career spans three decades covering the sports spectrum from heavyweight boxing champions to the Olympics, talks with Zeke about running for enjoyment, a healthy lifestyle and his first book "The Addicted Runner." Marc shares with Zeke his passion for running every day, some of the more unusual places and weather conditions he has run in, the proper way to run to minimize injury, and how being addicted to running develops a daily discipline that runs in tandem with a healthy lifestyle.

Reading High basketball coach Rick Perez shares with Zeke what it was like to coach an outstanding group of young men to an amazing 28-4 season, their second straight Berks Conference title, their first District 3-AAAA title in six years, and their first trip to the PIAA semifinals in 33 years. Perez says this team has a special bond and chemistry that united the Reading community. He speaks of his team as an exceptional family that led the charge. "They bought into the concept of family, loyalty and commitment. It became their habit." Perez tells Zeke that he doesn't recruit or accept high-quality transfers because he wants an inclusive home-cooked program with a deep connection that develops trust, and that trust is a big part of this team's success. "Everyone has a voice," he says. "Everyone is important. What we're trying to sustain is much bigger than this year's accomplishments. The culture of Reading High basketball is family, loyalty and commitment." When Zeke asks Perez what he will remember the mo

Reading High basketball star Lonnie Walker IV discusses his outstanding individual accomplishments with Zeke, which included being named a two-time Berks Player of the Year, first-team All-State, Gatorade Pennsylvania Player of the Year, becoming the first junior in more than 100 years at the school to score 1,000 career points, and his invitation to try out for the USA Basketball U18 team. Walker also shares with Zeke the experience of being heavily recruited by Villanova, Connecticut, Miami, Indiana, Oregon, UCLA, Penn State, West Virginia, Temple, SMU, Stanford and Harvard. Lonnie tells Zeke that his parents and his focus on academics and other interests help keep him centered amidst all the acclaim. His all-around skill set makes the 6-5 guard/forward so attractive to colleges. "A lot of kids get caught up in scoring only," Lonnie tells Zeke. "I like to do the dirty work, too." He focuses on the fundamentals. Academically Lonnie has his sights on the possibility of being a surgeon or an accountant. Wa

Reading High basketball star Lonnie Walker IV shares with Zeke the story of leading the Red Knights to a 28-4 season, their second straight Berks Conference title, their first District 3-AAAA title in six years, and their first trip to the PIAA semifinals in 33 years. Walker also tells Zeke about the remarkable bond and chemistry he has with his teammates, a group of friends who have been playing together since the fourth grade. "I'm not a selfish player," he tells Zeke. "I trust every single player on the team. They can do as well as I do." Lonnie also explains how special it was to be embraced so warmly by the community. The city of Reading motivates him. Which is why he says this season was a dream accomplished -- playing for Reading High and doing something for the city of Reading. Lonnie grew up seeing a lot of good players leave the city because of the environment. He said his dad emphasized that you don't have to go anywhere to do well. You just have to work hard. Walker talks about the power of p

Mitch Raczy, Secretary of BAMBA (Berks Area Mountain Biking Association), a chapter of IMBA (International Mountain Biking Association), shares with Zeke the criteria that was needed for BAMBA to earn a designation as a Bronze-level Ride Center by IMBA. "That's a big deal," Raczy tells Zeke. "We are the only Ride Center in the Northeast corridor. We are one of only 37 Ride Centers in the world, 28 of which are in the United States. Bikers from all over the country want to come to Reading to ride some of the 125 miles of bike trails in the area. Berks met all the criteria for a Ride Center: Trails for all skill levels, hotels within a five-mile radius of the trails, restaurants, craft beer pubs, airport, hospitals, bike shops and community involvement." Raczy tells Zeke that the Greater Reading Convention and Visitors Bureau helped BAMBA obtain the Bronze-level Ride Center designation because such status enhances tourism and economic development in Berks County.

Mitch Raczy, Secretary of BAMBA (Berks Area Mountain Biking Association), a chapter of IMBA (International Mountain Biking Association), shares with Zeke the story of the non-profit educational association and its designation as a Bronze-level Ride Center by IMBA. There are only such 37 Ride Centers in the world and Berks is the only Ride Center in Northeast corridor of the U.S. Raczy tells Zeke that BAMBA's mission is to create, enhance and preserve great trail experiences for mountain bikers in Berks County and promote mountain bike access and diverse riding opportunities. BAMBA promotes wellness, fitness and healthy lifestyles for all ages through mountain biking. "BAMBA is an all-volunteer group that takes care of all the trails in Berks," Raczy tells Zeke. “In the 1980’s cyclists found their way up Mount Penn and started riding trails. The challenge of riding up the mountain, over logs and rocks kept them riding. From the 80’s until now trails have been being built on Mount Penn. There are trails f

Scott Hunsicker, general manager of the Reading Fightin Phils, tells Zeke that the franchise is in the entertainment business as much as the baseball business. There is much more than just baseball being played during Fightin games. There are music concerts, fun activities for the kids, multiple mascots, a plethora of promotions, a great variety of food and beer, and a wonderful family atmosphere for fans as well as club employees. Going to a Reading Fightin Phils game is an immersive fan experience.

Scott Hunsicker, general manager of the Reading Fightin Phils, tells Zeke about the upcoming 50th anniversary season of their affiliation with the Philadelphia Phillies with the first-of-its-kind March 31 Phillies Future Game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the top prospects in the team’s minor league system, the new field-level Dugout Suite at FirstEnergy Stadium, and the special 50 Phillies Seasons promotions.

Eric Valent tells Zeke the story of his job as a regional supervisor in the Philadelphia Phillies scouting department. Valent says he is responsible for working with scouts in the northeastern and southeastern states as well as Puerto Rico in identifying high school and college ballplayers for the Phillies to consider selecting in the annual amateur draft. Valent, who had a five-year Major League playing career as a valuable utility man for the Philadelphia Phillies, Cincinnati Reds and New York Mets as an outfielder/first baseman after an All-American career at UCLA, shares with Zeke the characteristics and attributes he looks for in prospects. "I definitely look for baseball ability," Valent explains. "How he moves around the field, around the base. Does it come easy for him? "We go see the top players on the area lists and rate them," Valent tells Zeke. "As we get closer to the draft in June we kind of mesh all these names together and filter them as best we can. It's really important that we get the pla

Eric Valent tells Zeke the story of his five-year Major League playing career as a valuable utility man for the Philadelphia Phillies, Cincinnati Reds and New York Mets as an outfielder/first baseman with good power from the left side of the plate. Valent discusses with Zeke the transition of going from a three-time All-American at UCLA -- where he helped lead the Bruins to the 1997 College World Series; was Pac-10 Player of the Year in 1998; hit 69 career homers in three seasons, the most in Pac-10 history; and played with future MLB stars Troy Glaus, Chase Utley, Eric Byrnes and Garret Atkins -- to a role player in the majors. Valent, who played for the Reading Phillies in 2000, cites two factors why he didn't enjoy the same level of success in the big leagues -- he didn't have the same power with wooden bats as he did with aluminum bats and he didn't hit with enough consistency. "They've done a lot with the guidelines to the aluminum bats," Valent tells Zeke. "I think the aluminum bats offer just a bit

Linda Zogas explains to Zeke the differences and benefits of the restorative yoga, power yoga and aerial yoga classes offered at her BLDG. 7 Yoga studio. She also details what constitutes TRX and Indo-Row. “Restorative yoga is very gentle,” says Zogas. “Power yoga is all movement, harnessing internal power. Aerial yoga is for everybody. You do not need to be a gymnast. It helps you work on trust. “We help people get back to nature with Ayurveda or acquire the skills to sink into the silence of mediation,” continues Zogas. “Vinyasa yoga you work on your breath and internal fire and you move a lot. People from all ages benefit from yoga. We have a lot of senior students. Yoga helps build bone density and keeps your hip flexors flexible and strong. We design classes where you can become comfortable with like-minded people.”

Now in his 52nd season of coaching at Wilson High School, Roy Snyder has had an unparalleled career in sustained excellence. With over 500 wins in dual meets, Snyder has won four state championships, 15 district championships and 28 league championships. The retired health and physical education teacher and athletic director at Wilson also has coached 15 individual state champions. Snyder tells Zeke that "I get more satisfaction from developing a mediocre swimmer into a good swimmer than from developing a naturally gifted swimmer into an outstanding swimmer." Under Snyder, West Lawn has become a swim capital. "We have a comprehensive swim program, teaching swimming, youth group programs, coaching kids for competition," Snyder tells Zeke. He still loves going to the pool every day because he loves working with the kids. He is coaching in his second pool at Wilson, a state-of-the-art facility now in its second season -- a facility that is used heavily by the Wilson community. Swimming is a sport of repeti

Roy Snyder tells Zeke how stressing the importance of team has been paramount to the remarkable success of the Wilson High School boys swim team this season and in previous seasons. "It's probably the team approach we have with our coaching staff," Snyder says. "And we have a great feeder program." This year's team has remarkable depth, which has enabled it to overcome the lack of individual superstars. "We have a great dual meet team," Snyder said of his Bulldogs. "This is the type of team I enjoy coaching the most." While Snyder in recent years coaches only the boys team, for many years he coached boys and girls. The legacy of the program's success draws swimmers like a magnet. "We have about 25 to 30 divers and about 200 swimmers," Snyder explains. In an era when many coaches stress focusing on one sport, Snyder says, "I encourage kids to do multiple sports. At Wilson, swimming is a seasonal sport, not year round." When Zeke asks what are the ingredients of a good swimmer, Snyder replies: "There is

Herself and the uniqueness of the BLDG. 7 Yoga studio housing a variety of yoga disciplines plus TRX and Indo-Row. Linda Zogas shares her background as a yoga instructor with Zeke and how yoga transcends mere stretching and poses and is more a matter of mediation that makes one a better person who makes better decisions. Linda also explains how BLDG. 7 Yoga is unique because it offers a variety of yoga disciplines and instructors under one roof, along with TRX and Indo-Row. “The process of yoga is to get you to the point of meditation and the quieting the mind,” says Linda. “Everybody asks, ‘Is yoga going to help me lose weight? No, but it will help you make better decisions about how you treat your body.’ Yoga helps you feel how you store your emotions in your body. BLDG. 7 Yoga houses multiple disciplines of yoga. We get to have all that knowledge in one building and we learn from one another.”